Friday, 4 November 2011

The Big Bill What can we do about the high costs of energy?A Fuel Poverty Action teach-in at Tottenham Chances, 399 High Rd, Tottenham N17 6QN Saturday 5 November 2011 12.30 - 5:30 pm http://fuelpovertyaction.wordpress.com/In the winter, thousands die of the cold in Britain – a scandal in a country where power companies are reaping record profits, and £850 billion is spent on bailing out banks. A large proportion of the population do not have access to decent heating or good housing, and many also have so little money that it’s a hard choice between heating, eating, or paying the rent.

Launching the new group - Fuel Poverty Action - a project of the Climate Justice Collective , this teach-in will be an opportunity for climate activists, local organizers and everyone concerned about high energy bills to discuss what high prices and poorly insulated homes mean for all of us, and see what we can do to ensure that everyone has fair access to heating and electricity.

As climate activists, we do not buy the lie that fuel prices are inflated by the need for green energy. The same vampire companies that are hiking up prices are spewing out the greenhouse gases that threaten a climate catastrophe. All they care about is their own bottom line, while millions of families live in cold homes and pay even higher rates for their gas and electric than people in big warm homes pay on direct debits.

At the same time, energy companies are seeking out increasingly destructive ways to extract and produce energy like tar sands, shale gas, deep sea oil and gas, new nuclear, biofuels, opencast coal mining and mountaintop removal mining. A cleaner, sustainable energy economy controlled by people for people – not for profit – could release families from the dilemma of having to choose between food and warmth. Sun, wind, and tides will not run out, and do not cost the earth! 12.30: Introduction including “What is fuel poverty? And “what's the climate got to do with it?” – with a chance to introduce what you have been thinking and doing.

1.00:Who pays? Living with high energy bills, bad housing, and unfair pricing policies. 1.30: Who gains? The market, the "Big Six" energy companies, who’s profiting from high fuel prices, government subsidies and greenwash, and Frankenstein Fuels3.00: What can we do about it? Intro and group discussions. Including: Knowing your rights / Cooperative energy schemes / Exposing the profiteers and their friends in high places / Fighting for the right to a secure, draught-free, energy-efficient home. 5.00: What next?Including information on the 22 November Winter Deaths Demonstration, and moving forward with the campaign. Let us know: You are welcome to just turn up on the day, but it would be really helpful if you can let us know in advance if you’re likely to come, or if there’s something you’d particularly like to discuss, by emailing fuelpovertyaction@gmail.comLunch: There’s a good Turkish restaurant/take-away just over the road (they do falafels!) Or please feel free to bring your own food or food to share – we know people will want to eat while we get to know each other during the introductory session. Hot drinks, snacks and a microwave will be available.

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